The Internal Affairs Ministry of Georgia published statistical data about the persons, who passed the state border. 

According to the data, already 978 521 persons visited the country during the first 4 months of 2012; this number in April was 301 243, which is extremely high – 61 % more compared to the data of the same period in 2011. Compared to the previous years, in the 4 months of the current calendar year, 45% - growth of the average number of visitors is observed.    

According to the information of the Internal Affairs Ministry, in the first 4 months of 2012 Georgia had highest number of visitors from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Ukraine and Iran. Also, the number of visitors from EU countries was significantly increased. These rates even exceeded the number of guests from Ukraine and Iran.    

There was special interest from the citizens of Moldova and Australia, where 73% and 83% growth was observed.

“Georgian Presidents initiative regarding the visa-free regime for Russian citizens, which entered in force from March 1, 2012 resulted significant growth of Russian visitors’ number. For example, the rates at the Lars border checkpoint are tripled. It should be noted that the same tendency was observed in April too and compared to the same period of the last year the number increased with 98 %. In April the data of the Lars border checkpoint rose even four times. After the visa-free regime entered into force, 80% growth is observed,” – is said in the data spread by Internal Affairs Ministry of Georgia.       

internet.ge